SANTA MONICA, Calif. — June 29, 2010 — Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, today announced that winner of the first annual Edmunds.com Launch Breakthrough Award is the Chevy Camaro.

The Edmunds.com Launch Breakthrough Award is provided annually to a vehicle that earns the highest overall score in a thorough analysis of 18 factors associated with the launch of a new vehicle, including pricing, sales, market share, dealer profit margins, incentives, consumer consideration, consumer ratings, inventory levels and residual values for all eligible vehicles. A total of 54 vehicles were eligible for the 2010 award. To be eligible, an all-new or totally redesigned vehicle had to be launched between January 1 and December 1, 2009 and must sell at a rate of at least 100 vehicles per month.

"The Launch Breakthrough Award recognizes the vehicle that had the most successful introduction of the past year," stated Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Ray Zhou, PhD. "According to our analysis, seven of the top ten launches were domestic vehicles, and many of those new cars are still selling at an impressive rate."

"With its highly anticipated launch, the Camaro was the clear winner, commanding premium prices, spending little time on the dealership lots and becoming one of the bestselling vehicles in its segment," asserted Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Jessica Caldwell. "The other top-ranked vehicles in this survey did not have an historic nameplate or an established fan base, but are still overcoming tough market conditions to resonate with consumers."

Edmunds.com has named its inaugural slate of New Launch Index winners. The Chevrolet Camaro was the top scorer and the first ever Launch Breakthrough Award winner. The honor was given for "the most successful introduction of the past year," explains Edmunds.com senior analyst Ray Zhou.

I agree they are stepping it up and I for one an impressed. All the cars coming out are getting better, Ford, GM, look at the new Cherokee thats a great SUV at a GREAT price point. They are getting it right and we keep buying them!

I think this is my favorite part...."The other top-ranked vehicles in this survey did not have an historic nameplate or an established fan base, but are still overcoming tough market conditions to resonate with consumers."